SPORTS TRAINERS GUIDE TRACTION CHARACTERISTICS FLEXION OF THE SHOE OF THE SOLE For most athletes, the forefoot flexibility The amount of grip between the sole of the shoe is important. To test a shoe, of the shoe and the playing surface grasp the heel and toe of the shoe and is an important consideration when push together. The shoe should bend choosing shoes for sport. Although at the ball of the foot. insufficient grip can lead to increased slips and falls that lead to injury, too much MID-SOLE DENSITY traction or grip can also increase the likelihood of injury, especially twisting Mid-sole density can be tested as injuries of the lower limb. For this reason, an indicator of the cushioning the choice of sporting footwear needs types or poorly fitting or excessively worn characteristics of the shoe. With your to take into account local environmental shoes can lead to an increased chance thumbs, compress the mid-sole. If it conditions, the type of playing surfaces of sports injury. Due to the number does not compress at all or is very encountered and the demands of the of footwear options available and the stiff it may not absorb impact shock sport. For example, a football boot with fact that different people have different as well as a softer mid-sole. However, studs or cleats designed for soft lush foot types and movement patterns, excessively soft cushioning might also surfaces may be uncomfortable and athletes should ideally choose shoes be bad, depending on the athlete’s foot ineffective on hard grounds. based on the recommendation of type and the relevant sporting activity. a podiatrist or physiotherapist. Their If it compresses easily it may provide Want to learn more about protective recommendation will be based on an a high degree of cushioning initially, equipment? Sports Medicine Australia assessment of the athlete’s foot type but this might also indicate a material runs a range of courses. For the and lower limb biomechanics, as well that will compress more easily over time complete calendar of courses, visit as taking into account the specific and not last well, especially in cheaper sma.org.au/courses demands of the sport and the type shoes. Some sports shoes have dual of playing surface. Some of the main or multi-density mid-soles with considerations for choosing athletic different components that are designed footwear are set out below. to provide both cushioning and stability in a controlled way. TORSION OF THE SHOE HEEL COUNTER Some shoes can resist twisting movements more than others. The The strength of the heel counter is correct amount and location of shoe related to the ability of the shoe to torsion required will vary between control the movement of the heel and athletes depending on their foot type. the rear part of the foot. To test this, For example, athletes whose feet squash down on the heel counter with excessively roll inwards when the foot your thumb or squeeze it between your contacts the ground (referred to as thumb and index finger. The material ‘over pronation’) generally will benefit used in the heel counter can vary; cheap from shoes that control or limit torsion shoes often use materials such as while bearing weight. To test a shoe, cardboard that do not last well and grasp the heel and the front of the are less effective in providing support. shoe near the ball of the foot and twist lengthways. VOLUME 36 • JUNE ISSUE 2018 47 ikswokaruB/kcotsknihT